Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)
James Caan (The Godfather)
Robert Duvall (The Godfather)
Biggest Snub:
Ned Beatty – Deliverance
My Overall Thoughts:
This is a year where one film dominated to list of nominees with 3 of the 5 choices. All 3 are quite powerful making it that much more difficult for the voters to have to choose between them.
My Rankings:
Supporting Actor
5. Eddie Albert
4. Joel Grey
3. Robert Duvall
2. James Caan
1. Al Pacino
Movies
3. The Heartbreak Kid – Great premise that works on numerous levels. Grodin is superb in the leading role and makes us truly believe his character’s dilemma throughout. The idea presented is pretty appalling yet the way that the story flows along with the great dialogue makes the viewer care less and still root for the idea to find a conceivable way to succeed. The rest of the cast is also great because they all feel like very realistic characters going through genuine feelings that most people can relate to at some point or another.
2. Cabaret – Has some great songs, excellent performances by all especially Minelli and Grey. Story isn’t as captivating as I thought it could be.
1. The Godfather – Excellent movie. Highly recommended. I think it’s the best of the 3 Godfather movies. Very deserving of all of the praise it has gotten over the years. Superb cast helps make this story shine.
Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Not Really! JG does a nice job in Cabaret, but all 3 nominees from The Godfather were more powerful roles. AP probably should have been nominated in the lead category with JC and RD right behind him with their great and captivating performances. The fact that all 3 were nominated probably helped to cancel one another out opening the way from JG.
Let me know what you think about these films and my rankings!
MovieRob 
Firstly – agree on Beatty. Next, Paramount willing to let 3 of its actors go had to head in 1 category as long as Brando had Best to himself (although you could be right about Pacino being close to a lead role). Remember also – when Godfather came out – all three of them – Caan, Pacino and Duvall, were young actors yet to make their marks (Coppolla had to fight for EVERYONE he wanted to cast in this film – even Brando auditioned) – and all but Caan went on to win – as Best Actor) so under those circumstances – easier to understand that they may have canceled one another out – even though IMO – Pacino’s “Michael” makes the greatest journey (character-wise) – his arch as they say in the biz – from start to finish and I would’ve voted for him over Grey – who was letter perfect as the MC in cabaret – and already had the Tony Award to prove it.
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